Things a Good CV Should Not Contain

Overview

Your CV is often your first introduction to a potential employer — and first impressions stick. Even the most qualified candidates lose out because of small, avoidable mistakes.

Here are some things your CV should absolutely avoid:

🚫 Irrelevant Personal Information
Skip your full address, marital status, or date of birth — these details don’t influence your hiring chances and take up valuable space.

🚫 Overly Casual Language
Phrases like “I’m a people person” or “guru of spreadsheets” might work in conversation, but in a CV, they can come across as unprofessional.

🚫 Typos & Grammar Errors
A single typo can make a hiring manager doubt your attention to detail. Proofread twice — then once more.

🚫 Unnecessary Graphics or Fancy Fonts
Unless you’re applying for a creative role, stick to clean, simple formatting that ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) can read easily.

🚫 Outdated or Irrelevant Experience
That summer internship from a decade ago? Probably not worth the space unless it’s directly relevant to the role you’re applying for.

🚫 Salary Expectations
Leave salary discussions for later in the hiring process, not your CV.

💡 Pro Tip:
Think of your CV as prime real estate. Every line should be selling your skills, experience, and value to the employer — nothing else.

📢 Final Takeaway
Your CV isn’t a biography — it’s a sales pitch. Make it concise, relevant, and free from distractions. The fewer red flags, the more likely it is to land you that interview.